A Blessed Birthday

Wow! do I have a lot to talk about!  I don't know where to start.  I have all kinds of news to share with you, including  what I would call Winning the Knitting Lottery for my birthday!  (No gambling was involved!) 


My Birthday
My birthday came around the other day, and got all kinds of wonderful knitting-related and non-knitting related gifts!  It was great. 

From my Mom (my knitting pusher)  ;)
I had told my Mom about the Knit Picks 40% off book sale (or maybe she told me), and that there were several things that I would love to have that I put on my wish list.  She remembered that and gave me a gift certificate a little early so that I could take advantage of the sale.  You will never believe what I was able to get for $50!  I got three books (Amigurumi Knits, Color Sense, and Knitting Lingerie Style), two skeins of beautiful sock yarn (Imagination:  Damsel), a stitch holder, two cable needles, and a packet of Knit Picks stitch markers (plus free shipping).  So exciting!  Thanks Mom!

This was my first Knit Picks order, and it was so fun to order and receive such wonderful knitting goodies.  I have heard that it takes a long time to get a Knit Picks order, but this one didn't take too long.  I highly recommend checking them out.  My Mom says that they have sales pretty often, and actually their prices are already so great.  You can check them out here:  www.knitpicks.com.

Mom's Visit
Alright, while the Knit Picks order was extremely awesome, it doesn't end there.  When my actual birthday weekend came around, my Mom came to see me.  We had a lot of fun!  We hung out, went to the salon (I had a hair appointment), and went to an auction with my husband's parents.  Well, my Mom also brought me some more wonderful gifts from her personal knitting stash.  Okay, this is what I mean by winning the knitting lottery.  My Mom didn't just bring me a few skeins of yarn that she didn't want anymore, she brought me bags of luxury yarn that she didn't want anymore!  She also brought me several books and patterns, including all of her Jean Greenhowe books (more about that in an other post)!!!  Shock, awe, speechlessness... 

This is the yarn that she gave me:

9 skeins of Cascade Pastaza (50% llama, 50% wool) in a beautiful teal color.  (She had seen me drooling over it when I visited her and remembered.);

9 skeins of Classic Yarns Cashsoft DK in red (It looks kind of orangy in this picture, but it isn't.)
(57% extra fine merino wool, 33% microfibre, and 10% cshmere).  Wow!  Cashmere?  Need I say more?;

10 skeins of the same Classic Yarns Cashsoft DK, but in ecru (more cashmere and merino!);

9 skeins of Plymouth Yarn Dreambaby DK (50% acrylic, 50% nylon) in a pretty, light yellow shade (perfect for charity knitting, gifts, or future babies!);

and 5 skeins of Classic Yarns Silk Wool DK (50% merino wool, 50% silk) in a pretty muted seafoam green/mint green color (I am loving vintage colors lately!).

It is so exciting to be such a new knitter, and to have so much wonderful yarn in my stash.  My Mom knows that I have little money, and she sees how much I love knitting and blesses me so!  Now my mind is trying to figure out what things to knit with this beautiful yarn, in addition to the other beautiful yarn my Mom has given me in the past.  I can't knit quick enough!  This was such an amazing birthday present!

Birthday Present from my Husband
My husband is so great, and he really pays attention to "those little nuggets about me" (comedian Kevin James quote).  :)  He remembers what I like, and usually gets me very thoughtful gifts.  Well, this year money is really tight, so he made me a gift certificate that I can cash in a few weeks from now.  It is for $20 of Knit Picks merchandise!  Yay!  More Knit Picks!  I already know what I want to get:  the "Andrea Shawl" pattern and the suggested yarn.  When I saw the shawl, I instantly wanted it.  [I am really starting to think that I may be a product knitter.  I have to really love the item or it has to be something that the recipient would really love for me to have the desire to make it.  Practicality works, too (as in dishcloths for example).  Of course, I love the process too...]  Anyway, "I want that!"  :D  (I must watch "Napolean Dynamite" again really soon!)

Not Knitting Related, but Really Cool
Well, I got another amazing gift for my birthday and I love it!  My mother-in-law has been letting me use her antique vanity for a while.  I think it is so neat, and it is so practical too.  Well, the other day she told me it is my birthday present!  :D  I love antiques and vintage things, and this vanity matches our antique bedroom suite very well and is so neat.  What an amazing birthday gift!  Unconventionality is grand!  :)  I love it!

I got other presents, cards, meals, and cakes from my family and friends, too.  It has been so great getting these gifts, but it is the feeling of love that was given to me that was truly wonderful.  The thought and sentiment behind every card, gift, greeting and hug meant so much to me.  It is nice to feel like people really notice you, notice things about you, and want to show you love and make you happy.  It is not the nice gifts that make the difference, it is the people in your life that make you truly rich.  I hope all of you can experience that kind of true wealth.

Be blessed!
Faith


PS  I have much more exciting news to share with you soon...:)

Warm and Cozy

Warm and cozy, that is how I feel after finishing my first knitted article of clothing.  It was also my first design, which makes me feel good too.  I am going to wait to give you more details about this because it is a gift for my husband, and he is in the room as I am typing this.  But it is driving me nuts not to be able to talk more in depth about it!  It was so wonderful to put it on and feel how cozy and warm it is.  I finally get to feel the luxury of knitting something myself, and wearing it.

I think it will be a great Valentine's gift for him, and I have the feeling that I will be making more of these in the future.  More details to come...; D


I <3 Amigurumi

I found out about Amigurumi recently, which opened up another little world of knitted toys to me.  Amigurumi is knitted or crocheted, Japanese dolls.  It can be any little knitted or crocheted doll, really.  A lot of them are very stylized, but some of them are very realistic. Some of Jean Greenhowe or Alan Dart's work would qualify.  In fact, I found several great Amigurumi groups on Ravelry, and entered a contest with the most recent doll that I made (Jean Greenhowe's Winefred)

I also found a neat blog called mochimochiland.com/weblog.  She has wonderful patterns that you can buy, as well as some that are free.  The designer's name is Anna, and I encourage you to find her on Ravelry and look at her blog if you are interested in knitting little, adorable Amigurumi dolls.

I was looking for a pattern for little knitted hearts and found her pattern.  Her hearts are so cute!!!  They are super easy to make, also.  (They are not knitted in the round, which is something I am just learning and can't do well yet.)  I made two in one day.  If I can do that while taking care of a 2 year old all day, you know that it is a really easy and quick knit.  (I knit a row here and there.)

Here are two of the three hearts I have made so far (I gave one away before I could photograph it):

I also found a really great Amigurumi knitting book that I really want to get.  I have looked all over for the best deals, and here is the best deal:  Knit Picks!  They are are having a 40% Sale on their books until February 22.  I have two books that I really want to get:  Amigurumi Knits and The Knitter's Almanac by Elizabeth Zimmerman.  (I actually have a really long list of books that I want on Knit Picks and Amazon, but getting just those two on sale is a little more realistic for me.)
 
Please share with me your Valentine's projects.  I would love to see them!

I hope you all have a Splended Valentine's Day!
Faith

Well, I turned in my submission for the Vanna's Choice Contest in time, but by the skin of my teeth.  : D  I was knitting up until the last minute, quite literally.  If you remember, I found out about the contest only about 3 weeks before the deadline, so I was on a very tight deadline.  (Being somewhat new to the amazing world of knitting sometimes has its disadvantages.)  Anyway, I thought it would be fun to at least try to turn something in, and, it was!  While I don't anticipate winning, I am very excited that I did this and entered the contest.  It was a really neat experience.

Step 1:  Shopping for Vanna's Choice Yarn

I shopped for Vanna's Choice Yarn at Michael's,  and bought a lot of yarn!  I decided to come up with my own color combinations, and this proved more challenging than I had anticipated.  I ended up picking a lot of different colors, thinking that I would return whatever I didn't use.  After picking out my yarn, I had to look around at a few more things (who can resist browsing at a craft store?)  I ran into a family friend and talked to a couple of shoppers.  Everyone commented on how much yarn I was buying.  I finally realized that because both mine and my daughter's coats, as well as the diaper bag, were filling up the entire bottom of the itsy bitsy, teeny weeny shopping cart, that it made my 10 or 15 skeins look like the entire shopping cart was filled and packed to the brim with yarn.  No wonder they thought I was buying a ton of yarn!  (Michael's, knitters and crafters everywhere emplore you to bring in some bigger carts.) 

Step 2:  Knitting, err, uh....Picking out Colors

A few days after buying the yarn, I finally got down to knitting.  Then I realized that if I was going to use my own color choices, that I was going to have to make sure that they all went together well.  There was not only clothing, but also shoes, hair, accessories,  a pet, etc.  Man, this was harder than it seemed.  

Step 3:  Knitting

After choosing pink to start the doll's stockings, I started knitting away on the Jean Greenhowe pattern that I had picked out:  Winefred's Wool Shop from the Little Dumpling Dolls, Part 1.  Now I was into the knitting part of the project, and the real fun began.  I had a deadline, and I was going to make it!  But not without some distractions.

Step 4:  Attempting to Dodge Distractions...

During this mad dash for the finish line, I also decided that I had to have the Dumpling Dolls, Part 2 knitting booklet.  I searched on Ebay and found several, however, they were going for absorbitent prices.  One sold for about $45!  These are wonderful booklets, and one could argue that Jean Greenhowe booklets are more than worth $45,  especially this one since it is out of print.  However, for one on a tight budget,  what something is worth and how much you want it doesn't always win out over the pocket book and how much is in it.  So, I kept looking.  

While I was looking for the Dumpling Dolls book, I found some other neat books on Ebay for great prices!  One of the pattern books contains knitting patterns for Care Bear dolls and matching sweaters.  I really loved the Care Bears when I was little, so this was nastalgic for me.  I watched the shows and movies, and my best friend and I had fun playing with her Care Bear house and little figures.  (We also loved Barbies, My Little Ponies, and Strawberry Shortcake.) I found several other booklets,which I won't go into now, but I have had a blast finding the most unique patterns, and most of them at extremely low prices. 

Well, it seemed like I could find anything at a decent price, except the main booklet that I was looking for.  I decided to post something in a Ravelry forum for Jean Greenhowe fans.  I promptly got a reply from someone in Scotland who had several copies.  She had found them in a dress shop in the Outer Hebrides Islands off the west coast of Scotland.  The store stocks a small amount of yarn.  The books were tucked away in a little box and seemed to have been from a previous owner, as the current owner didn't have any information about them.  I am so thankful to her, as I was able to pay her 6 pounds, including shipping!  (This was only about $9.50 in U.S. dollars!)  It is on it's way, and I will be able to knit little vegetables and food for the Dumpling Dolls, as well as the little men.  This definitely beats $45!   

Step 5:  Getting Back on Track

Well, my little booklet hunting detour was fun, but was a little distracting.  It didn't keep me from knitting my doll, but did take away some of my time.  (I am sure some of you Ravelholics out there can relate to something knitting-related taking away your knitting time.)  Anyway, I continued to knit the doll, her shop counter, the yarn balls, etc.  I decided not to knit the little dog, but to knit a little cat that I had seen in another Jean Greenhowe booklet.  

It was a lot of fun knitting all these pieces and sewing it all together.  My husband and I recently started the first season of "Lost,"  so I did a lot of the knitting while watching the show.  (Please don't tell me anything!)  My husband was very helpful, especially when I was stumped with color choices.  He was the one to suggest I make Winefred's hair blonde, which I love!  It goes well with her outfit.

Step 6:  Crossing the Finish Line  

I was knitting the little sweater that goes on the shop counter up until the last minute.  I was knitting as quickly as I could and sewing it together.  I was really disappointed in the construction of the shop counter, but there was no turning back.  My time was getting away with me and midnight drew near.  I had to fill out my application online, take and upload pictures, and get it all in on time.  After all this,  would I be able to complete my mission?  The clock was ticking.  I took pictures, uploaded, filled out the form, and submitted it....at 11:57 pm!  Whewhh! I made it!  So relieving. 

Step 7:  Incomplete?   

I decided that I should check my email to see if they emailed me a confirmation, and they did.  It was delivered at 11:57 pm, so that was confirmation for me that I got it in on time by their standards.  In fact, the email actually gave me a confirmation number.  It also told me,  however, that my four photographs had not uploaded correctly, and that my submission couldn't be considered without a photo.  Oh no!  I was so upset!  What went wrong?  

I logged into the Lion Brand website and uploaded the pictures again.  Now it said that I had submitted it on February 2.  That is no good!  The deadline was February 1.  So I promptly emailed the company to find out if everything was okay with my submission.  I would have to wait until the next day to find out for sure. 

Step 8:  Relaxation

The next morning the phone woke me up bright and early.  Since I didn't recognize the number, I let it go to voicemail.  When I checked it, I was shocked to find out that it was Lion Brand calling.  They were just calling to tell me that I was, "good to go" with my submission.  What a pleasant suprise! 

So, that is basically the story of my first knitting contest experience.  I am so glad I did it, despite the ups and downs (and interests) in life distracting me.  I was able to pick out a pattern and yarn, knit it up, and submit it on time, however at the last minute it was.  I would highly recommend this to every knitter out there.  

As for me, I will try to find out about these things sooner.  Does anyone out there know of another contest?  As for the yarn, do you really think I am going to take back what I didn't use?  I think you know the answer to that question.  : D

Happy Knitting!!!

Faith 

I have so much to be excited about in my little knitting world!

Plimoth Plantation Kit and the Search for Historically Authentic Knitting Needles

Yesterday I received the knitting kit from Plimoth Plantation!  It came with a large skein of brown wool, a pattern for a flat cap, a flyer about the knitting club at Plimoth Plantation, and a note from Denise Lebica (manager of clothing and textiles at Plimoth).

I am so looking forward to knitting this up!  Historical clothing and textiles is my passion!  The only problem is that the pattern calls for #3 double point knitting needles, which I do not have yet.  (I usually knit a little loosely, so I probably need #2's.)  I would really like to get historically accurate knitting needles for this, for both the fun of it, and also because I would like the option of knitting on-site at the local museums while in period costume.

I have been doing research online regarding the types of knitting needles that people used throughout the last few centuries.  I have also been reading "A History of Hand Knitting" and asking questions on Ravelry about this.  What I have found out so far is that during the 17th and 18th centuries, people were using knitting needles, called knitting "pins," that were very thin, steel double pointed needles.  (When I say thin, I mean really thin.)  They knitted mostly in the round.  They didn't start using wooden knitting needles with balls on the end (used to keep the knitted items from falling off) until around the middle of the 19th century when they started knitting flat pieces.  So now I am looking for some thin, steel, double pointed needles in size 2, as historically accurate as possible.  This is a project all unto itself!

The hat is knitted in the round, which means that it is now time for me to learn how to knit in the round.  I have seen this done when my Mom was knitting socks, and I watched parts of a video on how to knit socks.  However, I have never attempted it myself.  I think I will just try to go by the pattern and see if I can do it.  If I have problems I can call up my Mom or go to the local yarn store.

My Pink Needles!
Something really great happened to me the other day!  I have been purging,  sorting, organizing and cleaning a lot lately.  Sunday I worked on organizing my craft supply cart and shelves.  (I converted Cosette's diaper changing table into a craft cart.  I love it!)  While going through everything I found the pink, plastic knitting needles on which my Mom taught me how to knit as a child!!!!  So exciting and cool!  I had no idea that I still had them!  I showed them to Cosette and she, of course, loved them!  Now when she is old enough, I can teach her on the same needles that my Mom taught me on!  How cool!

Pic of Winter Mouse on Ravelry
Another neat thing happened to me the other day!  A volunteer editor on Ravelry asked me to give them permission to use the picture of my Winter Mouse as the featured picture on the Jean Greenhowe pattern page (on Ravelry).  I couldn't hit the "yes" button fast enough!  How flattering and exciting!  (Of course, I think mine is one of two of those mouses on Ravelry, but hey! it is still so neat!)


Neat Patterns
Okay,  maybe this is stretching it, but I am so excited about some neat patterns that I got in the mail today.  I have been scoping out Jean Greenhowe's Little Dumpling Dolls 2 on Ebay (I am using part 1 for the Vanna White contest).  Well, while I was looking for that book, I saw a lot of others that I liked.  We are on a budget, so I have to be pretty choosy.

Today two came in the mail.   I got Alan Dart's Gnomes at Home pattern book.  It is for a little Gingerbread house and two little knomes that you knit.  SO cute!  I also got Jean Greenhowe's MacScarecrow Clan (A Scottish Scarecrow Family).  SO neat!

There is also a story book that Jean's daughter wrote, and that both she and Jean signed, that is all about the MacScarecrow family.  I really want to get it some point in the future (oh, that budget!).  Anyway, the MacScarecrow Clan is very cute, though I wasn't that interested until I found out about the storybook.  I thought it was such a neat idea to be able to read Cosette stories and also knit her the characters.  The pattern book also has a story in the back, so that should hold us until we can get the storybook someday.  :D

Read more about the MacScarecrow Clan here.

Vanna Contest
Well, I am almost done with the main doll that I will be admitting into the Vanna's Choice Contest.  I still have a lot to do,  though, so I must go so that I can knit away.  I hope you will all be knitting away too!

Have fun on your knitting clouds!
Faith

Vanna White, Pilgrims, and Babies...My Life is Complete

New addition to my yarn stash.

A Knitting Contest

I have yet another new project to tell you about.  I am entering a knitting contest!  :D  The other day I found out about a contest called the Vanna's Choice Contest.   To enter the contest you have to make a project using Vanna's Choice, Vanna's Choice Baby, or Vanna's Glamour Yarn.  It does not have to be your original design/pattern, but you can't violate copyright law (which basically means you have to have the designer's permission).  There are 4 categories: Afghans and Throws, Baby and Kids, Hats and Scarves, and Gifts and Crafts.  The deadline for the contest is February 1, 2010 (you have to apply to the contest with your photo by then).  So...I have exactly 18 days to finish a project and get it in on time.  :)

Here is a link to the website with more detailed information:  http://www.vannaschoice.com/. 

My Project

After looking at the winners from last year, and thinking about something that I could knit in about 3 weeks, I decided that a Jean Greenhowe design would be great for this.  While the designs I have made so far are pretty simple, some of them are very elaborate. Just the kind of thing to enter into a contest like this.Sunday night I emailed Jean Greenhowe for permission to use one of her designs in the contest.  Well, I got the reply Monday and they gave me permission!  :D  Yay!

So, last night I called my Mom and we brainstormed about what I could make to enter the contest.  I know one of her Red Nosed Gange clowns would be the best, but I wasn't really feeling it, plus, as a new knitter I wasn't sure if I could get it done in time. 

Check out a picture of the Jean Greenhowe clown, Sidney Slapstick, that my Mom made me when I was little.  Hers is the avatar for the pattern on Ravelry.  Can you tell I am a proud daughter?  :D

Well, after much discussion, we decided that the best one for me to knit was Winifred and her Wool Shop.  I will be personalizing this to Vanna's Choice Yarn.  I am so excited about this!  If I have time, I will also make one or more of the other Little Dumpling Dolls, like Lady Letitia.  You can see all of them here on Jean Greenhowe's website.  I am planning on making a little "set" to photograph the dolls in, too, since you have to send in a photo of the dolls.  This may or may not be as elaborate as Jean Greenhowe's set.  I guess that will all depend on time limits, as well.

A Trip to Michael's

Today I went to Michael's to get all the yarn.  There were so many great colors, and I decided to go with my own color scheme for the dolls, so it took me a while to pick out the colors.  I got a LOT of yarn. :) I vowed to take back whatever I didn't use, though, and that made me feel better. :)  Also, Vanna's Choice is on sale for 2 for $5.  After having visited yarn shops, learning about luxury yarn from my Mom, and receiving such luxury yarn from my Mom, this price seemed unbelievable.  Still, on my budget it is a lot.  Once again...I will take back whatever I don't use.  :D  I sure do hope I win the $1,000 first prize!!!!  :D 

The yarn in the right column was yarn that I already owned.  It makes me feel a little better to say that.  ;)

Yet another project...Plimouth Style

I also confirmed with Plimouth Plantation that I will be a volunteer knitter for them!  :D  Yay!  They will be sending me yarn and an historically accurate pattern in order to knit a hat for one of their historical interpreters.  I am so excited about this, as I have been wanting to learn more about the history of knitting.  One of my most passionate interests is historical clothing and textiles.  I am so intrigued, and very excited and humbled to get to be a part of this.  I can hardly wait to get my kit in the mail!  :D  I only wish that I lived closer to them so that I could be a part of the Knitter's Club.  Check it out:  Plimouth Plantation Knitter's Club.

Well, between our normal hectic life, knitting for a contest, knitting for Plimouth Plantation, and knitting for the pro-life ministry...do you think I will be getting much sleep?  Maybe this wasn't the best week to train myself to get into bed by 10:00 pm....

Your Yawning Yarnie,
Faith

New Look, New Project, New Knitting Resolution

Hello!  I hope everyone's New Year has been great!  I have been feeling a lot better lately, and thought I would say hello.  :)  I have spent the week doing normal chores like laundry and dishes, but trying not to over do it too much.  I have been knitting as much as I can on my projects, which has been fun (of course!).  I have also been spending time with Nathan's Mom who was off for the holidays, which was great! It was fun to do some fun things with her and Cosette, to relax, to juice some vegetables and fruit, and to spend a little extra time with my hubby. Tonight we went to the Olive Garden, (which was wonderful!), and we just talked and talked and talked. Nathan will start classes tomorrow, so my little reverie will be at and end. It sure has been nice to relax and spend time together. :) sigh!


A New Look

Well, as you can see, my blog looks a little different. I was reading a blog that I follow, (http://studentknitter.blogspot.com/), and saw a link to a free blog background page. They have beautiful graphics, so I decided to try it out. Please leave me a comment and let me know what you think. I would love to know if you like it, or if you think it is too busy. I may try different ones out in the next few weeks, so feel free to let me know which ones you like. :)


A New Project

Right before coming back home I started a Debbie Bliss baby sweater (embroidered baby sweater) in a size 3T for Cosette.  I am using some kettle dyed, orange wool that is gorgeous!  (Thanks Mom!)  The sweater has a moss stitch pattern, which is fun to knit, and shows off the colors of the yarn beautifully.  I am using size 4 and 6 knitting needles.  I am working on the back portion of the sweater right now. 

Here is my progress so far (please excuse my photography.  I am still learning how to best photograph my knitting):

A Knitting Resolution

I am also developing an idea.  I have been wanting to get involved in the Pro-Life ministry for a while, as I am very passionate about the Right to Life, and have my own pro-life story (perhaps I will share more about that in the future).  Well, with this crazy schedule, there is not much time to volunteer.  However, I read that the crisis pregnancy center here in Huntsville gives baby showers for the women that they help; and I thought that it would be neat if I could knit baby clothes for the baby showers.  Maybe other people will want to get involved as well.  What do you think?

I posted something asking for advice on a group forum on Ravelry, and someone responded wanting to give me some baby yarn that they didn't want anymore. I thought that was so sweet! It was also very encouraging to me, as I can see that others may also be interested in helping. Thanks so much Sharon!!!


I would love any ideas that you have.  Maybe the people at my church would be interested in helping?  I have been looking at baby patterns over the last couple of days, and am considering the different variations of the 5 hour baby sweater.  It seems quick, and I tried a swatch with an acrylic yarn, but it didn't turn out too well.  It did knit quickly on size 10 needles, but it was kind of thin looking.  Do you have any advice, ideas, quick baby patterns, or yarn recommendations?  I would appreciate any help you could give me!

I will let you know how this goes...

Faith

The Winter Mouse is Finished!

The Winter Mouse is Finished!

Yesterday Nathan picked up some stuffing for me, so I was able to stuff and sew together the Jean Greenhowe Winter Mouse that I have been knitting.  I am so pleased with the results!  Cosette absolutely loves it, which of course makes me even more  happy! 

Things I learned

This doll was just as easy to make as the little bunny that I recently made (also a Jean Greenhowe design).  It uses the same techniques of increasing:  knitting in the front and back of one stitch.  I learned a little more about knitting flat pieces that fold into little objects, opening my eyes to how creative you can get with knitting, and making sculptural type pieces.  For instance, the hat is a strip of knitted fabric, rolled up and sewn together.  It was so fun to see this little mouse come to life!

Modifications

The only thing that I did different from what the pattern calls for, is to leave off the hand warmer muff and the little gift that the mouse is supposed to carry in her hand.  I thought that my two year old would enjoy it a little more if the mouse's hands are free because she can make the mouse do more things with her hands. 

I cut out the little cardboard circles to go in the bottom, but they seem to fall out pretty easily (and they are the right size, too).  When the circles come out, then all the stuffing in the large skirt portion is exposed, and with a toddler, this could just be asking for trouble.  So, I think I may knit some fabric to sew into it, or maybe just use some felt.

Great Project!

Just like the bunny, knitting this little mouse boosted my self confidence with knitting.  It really gave me a sense of accomplishment, and helped me to be encouraged to do more.  It was a fun little doll to knit, and I must recommend it to anyone who wants to knit something a little different, something for a child, or something that does not take much time to knit.  With or without the gift and hand warmer added on, this little doll makes a very attractive Christmas decoration as well.

May you all have a Happy New Years!
Faith